This past July, Sofia Zavala, an incoming Senior at Florida State University (FSU), attended the first-ever Girls Inc. Girls Leading Change Summit in St. Louis, Missouri. 

 “I have been attending Girls Inc. since I was a little girl, and I have a very deep love for it,” said Zavala. “I think it’s a great organization that brings women together to create positive change in our communities, and I feel like they’re a big part of who I am now.”

With over 1,690 sites across the United States and Canada, Girls Incorporated (Girls Inc.) is building the next generation of strong, smart, and bold female leaders. Through the Girls Inc. experience, women receive support and mentorship to address different issues faced by girls around the nation. 

 The Girls Inc. Girls Leading Change Summit was a first-of-its-kind leadership conference that brought together 250 girls. The event focused on the connection between leadership and character and discussed topics such as self-advocacy and emotional intelligence.  

“It was so inspiring to hear everyone be so passionate,” said Zavala. “Listening to other women about issues in their community was so interesting to hear because it forces you to step outside of your bubble and realize that certain issues truly are nationwide.” 

Zavala attended the summit as a guest speaker to talk about her experience at Nonprofit Day at the Capitol, where she spoke about Girls Inc. and the impact that it has on young girls nationwide. 

“One of the biggest highlights was being able to connect with young women from around the U.S. and Canada who share a passion for creating change,” said Zavala. “It’s about learning to be more effective when advocating for issues that you are passionate about. Learning how to identify the problem, identify who has the power to make change, and then communicating it in a way that resonates with decision-makers.” 

Zavala’s involvement at Florida State, such as Relay for Life, has provided her with experiences that have translated beyond the classroom, opening the door to new opportunities with Girls Inc. Her time within the College of Communication and Information has allowed her to explore her interests while building connections and gaining experiences that continue to shape her professional journey. 

“The classes have prepared me to research and tell compelling stories. I enjoy community work and taking on leadership roles, even at Florida State within clubs and organizations,” said Zavala. 

Through her continued involvement with Girls Inc., Zavala has strengthened her passion for advocacy and her commitment to creating meaningful change, shaping the impact she hopes to have on the future.